576 Chapter 5
Britain to withdraw its support for the Ottomans. Thus, after reaching an agreement
with Romania, nominally under Ottoman control, regarding the moving of Russian
troops through the territory, Russia issued an ultimatum and partially mobilized its
forces on October 31, 1876. The ultimatum required the Ottomans to sign a peace
agreement with Serbia, with which it had been at war since June 30, 1876. After fur-
ther securing Austro-Hungary’s benevolent neutrality, and agreements (the London
Treaty) from the major powers to force changes from the Ottomans, Russia declared
war on April 24, 1877, and Romania declared its independence a month later.
The war was fought on two fronts—on the Danube and in Transcaucasia—with
the Ottoman forces largely checking the Russians. However, the Russians had a
breakthrough as they finally overwhelmed the fortress at Plevna. After achiev-
ing victory in December 1877, the Russian forces raced toward Constantinople.
Under pressure of the Russian forces in the vicinity of the capital, an armistice
was quickly signed. The Treaty of San Stefano on March 3, 1878, ended the war.
The Treaty of Berlin was signed in July 1878 to modify the terms of that treaty.
Coding changes: End Date changed from January 31, 1878.
MID#141
Started in June 1880. See the narrative in the 200 United Kingdom/640 Turkey dyad
dispute list.
MID#91
Dispute Number: 91
Date(s): May 1887 to May 22, 1887
Participants: 220 France, 365 Russia/640 Turkey
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (Unclear)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Britain and Turkey signed a convention regarding the timetable for with-
drawal of British troops from Egypt. Both France and Russia threatened Turkey with
war if the convention was ever ratified. Turkey capitulated to their demands.
Coding changes: Added to the dispute: 220 France. Start Date changed from May 22,
- Outcome changed from Unclear. Settlement changed from None.
MID#56
Started in March 1897. See the narrative in the 200 United Kingdom/350 Greece dyad
dispute list.
MID#391
Started in September 1898. See the narrative in the 200 United Kingdom/640 Turkey
dyad dispute list.